How to Tame My Beastly Husband

How to Tame My Beastly Husband — Chapter 91. Interruption (4)

Actually, Annette’s cold was most likely because she had fallen asleep out on the balcony, but Raphael couldn’t know that. Raphael was strangely hesitant as he lifted and carried her to her bed, with none of his usual brusqueness.

She eyed him warily as he set her on the bed, wondering when the other shoe would drop.

“I’m sorry,” he said, without meeting her eyes.

“…What?” Annette asked reflexively, surprised. He didn’t answer. He just pulled the blanket over her, taking care to cover her bare feet. His normally unsympathetic expression still had an air of embarrassment.

It seemed he really did think it was his fault she was sick.

But that he had apologized for it was extraordinary. Raphael was a stubborn man, who rarely apologized to anyone. He drew a stark line between enemy and friend, and anyone with whom he conflicted was an enemy, who would never have an apology from him.

That was the way Raphael thought.

But now he was apologizing to her, and Annette felt as if she had just witnessed the miracle of creation sprung forth from heaven with her own mortal eyes. Overwhelmed, she softened.

“It was just…the change of the season. Sometimes it happens to me if the weather shifts. It’s not your fault, don’t worry.”

Her kindness only made his face stiffen. Given the truth, he suspected a lie, because Raphael was always filled with self-doubt. He couldn’t remember ever apologizing to anyone, at least not since his very unpleasant childhood. But now that he had abased himself, his stinging pride made him want to walk away immediately. Raphael’s fists tightened at his sides as he forced himself to speak.

“It’s not for that. I mean, what I meant to say…”

“My lady, I’ve come with the medicine, may I come in?”

Unfortunately, Raphael would not get to explain himself. He had left the door open behind him when he carried Annette into the bedroom, and now Eucaly was standing there, looking at him with surprise. She had only called out so casually because the door was already opened.

“Raphael?” Annette asked. “What were you going to say?”

“Forget it. We’ll talk another time.”

“I’m so sorry, the door was open,” Eucaly apologized, clutching the medicine in her hands and clearly unsure what to do. Annette wondered whose whim it was that she was not going to be allowed to finish any of her conversations today.

“It’s all right,” Annette said, hiding her regret. “You brought extra medicine for me, didn’t you? Thank you.”

“Yes. On occasion, I will begin giving you a tonic to restore your energy. Even if you aren’t having any particular pain, it will be good for you to take it to build up your strength.”

“Of course.”

Annette drank the medicine down. It was bitter. But she hoped for good health. She wanted to live a long life, this time.

Eucaly Kayun was just as capable as she had been in Annette’s last life. After a few days with her cold, Annette felt better than ever, and her porcelain-pale face was filled with life. She felt perfectly healthy when the time came to receive her next visitors.

This time, the visitors were not unexpected. Annette had been anticipating her visitors from the Chapelle Empire for a long time.